Meta Unveils Lightweight VR Glasses Set for 2027 Release

Meta has revealed a new hardware design that aims to transition virtual reality gear from bulky headsets to a form factor resembling standard eyewear. According to the official announcement, the prototype weighs roughly 100 grams, making the device five times lighter than the current Quest 3.

Hardware architecture and design

To achieve this reduced weight, the engineering team at Meta offloaded the primary compute, battery, and storage components into a external pocket-sized device. This external unit connects to the glasses via an optical cable, allowing the frame to maintain a slim profile while supporting high-end features like 5K micro-OLED displays and full-color passthrough capabilities.

Future market integration

The Scale Report understands that the hardware will also integrate advanced sensors for eye and hand tracking, alongside support for the company's proprietary Meta AI. These virtual workspaces are slated for a retail release in spring 2027 with a suggested price point of $1,299.99.

This shift toward tethered computing represents a critical pivot in the industry's approach to wearable comfort. By decoupling the heavy thermal-generating components from the face-worn portion, the company is attempting to solve the primary ergonomic hurdle that has historically limited the adoption of immersive hardware among mainstream consumers.